A Bulls Future Without Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose driving against the Raptor in their November 13th matchup

The Bulls don’t need 2010/11 [MVP] Derrick Rose to win, this version is good enough, but what they do need, is to have him on the court... in June. This is clearly the most talented team in the Rose/[Coach Tom] Thibodeau era, on paper, maybe the best in the NBA. The Bulls championship window is open, but only for as Derrick Rose’s Rolex keeps ticking.

Reference: The Chicago Bulls and the Derrick Rose Conundrum.

Clint Pemberton offers well-reasoned arguments in his article above, and it is a fact that as long as Thibodeau is at the helm, the Bulls will compete, the Bulls will go to the playoffs, and this year the Bulls will contend for the Eastern Conference.  But without Rose, they will not likely contend for the NBA title.

In building off of Pemberton's thesis, I believe that the Bulls have quietly built a team around Rose.  I say quietly, because Rose is the natural lightning rod for the team and takes (some) attention away from what that the front office may be thinking about and planning for.  I have to believe that Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson and General Manager Gar Forman fully acknowledge the fragility of Rose and the potentially fast-closing window of his career.  I have to believe that they are preparing for the inevitable departure of Rose, sooner if not later. 

In brief, here is what Paxson and Forman have built around Rose:

1. Signed Pau Gasol, immediately installing twin towers in the front court, along with Joakim Noah.  Gasol is having a rejuvenated career, after languishing for two years in the midst the Lakers' coaching fiasco.
2. Developed Jimmy Butler, who is markedly improved on offense and is imposing his penetration will and his scoring touch on hapless defenders.
3. Brought Nikola Mirotić onboard, finally, who had a stellar stretch playing for Real Madrid in Europe.
4. Drafted Doug McDermott, who plays with confidence and energy, and has a scoring touch that the Bulls always need.

We don't know how things will shake out exactly, but more than ever, the Bulls are building for the future, perhaps ironically in the same vein that Rose wants to ensure his health for the future.